Happy December, everyone! Have you decked the halls yet? Trimmed the tree? Crammed activity into every inch of your calendar? Maxed out your credit cards? 'Tis the season!
For most people. But some of us are searching for a better way. You don't have to wander far in the bloggerhood to find lots of chatter about how to make Christmas meaningful without breaking the bank. More and more Christians are trying to escape the frenzy and find balance -- to keep the focus on Christ, enjoy the good, ditch the empty, and love our beloveds well.
In that spirit, here are a few ways you can give the gift of art.
Music
The Humble Bold: Nine Lessons & Carols for Advent Curtis & Grace Romjue (our daughter and her husband) recorded this worshipful project with help from fellow musicians and members of their church community. All proceeds go to Arts Aftercare, providing assistance to recovering victims of human trafficking. It's a gift of art that gives through art again and again. That's more than a win-win.
Nathan and the Loverlies: This is Love for God This album is a product of the love of Jesus, working through Christ Community Church of Denton, Texas (C3Denton.com). I love the folksy feel of these songs, and I also love the people who recorded them. Charming. And real.
Mikeschair: A Beautiful Life I wrote a post about this project in October. The guys in this band are genuine in their love for Christ and desire His glory above their own success. And their music is awesome. If you haven't already, please check it out.
Visual Art
Emily Wierenga. I wrote a post about Emily's art last July. Her paintings arise from a deep place inside her and speak to the deeps in others. As you browse the thumbnail gallery, click the "more details" link to see a larger photo and ordering info. Prints come in many sizes or you can order a 12-pack of greeting cards.
Michelle Pendergrass. Michelle's technique of "visual prayer" results in beautiful, inspiring images that reveal the cries of a worshiper's heart. Check out her galleries: 2011 Paintings, Currently For Sale, and 2010 Paintings.
Books
Paper Angels, a new release by Billy Coffey. Billy is a thoughtful writer. He lives with his eyes open and writes what he sees, and when you read his words, you see, too. If you're not already a fan, check out his blog. You'll be one soon.
One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp. I love this book. Love it. And I love Ann. To enter her words is to slow down, take a deep breath, and lean into beauty. She always, only points to Christ. Perfect for Christmas.
Dancing Priest, a novel by Glynn Young. Glynn's book just released! I haven't even had a chance to read it yet, but everything I'm hearing is amazing. You can learn more about it on his blog and also find links to reviews. (I think this one may end up in my own e-stocking.)
Okay, I'm going to stop here, not because I don't have a lot more suggestions, but because I hope you'll share some of yours in the comments. Let us know about artists you love and how we can purchase their works as gifts. Let's help each other simplify the holidays and fill our loved one's lives with beauty. That sounds like a very merry Christmas to me. How about you?
Jeanne Damoff has no choice but to simplify this year. She's moving to Dallas nine days before Christmas and plans to spend the holidays unpacking boxes with the ones she loves.
Jeanne - thanks so much for the mention. Amazon surprised us by launching the book site on Monday - we expected it a few days later. It's been a wild week!
Posted by: Glynn | December 01, 2011 at 06:57 AM
oh jeanne... thank you. your heart is so very big and beautiful. love you.
Posted by: imperfect prose | December 01, 2011 at 07:07 AM
Thank you for the recommendations. And getting to see that sweet munchkin in the photo. How precious!
Posted by: Donna J. Shepherd | December 08, 2011 at 08:22 AM